Cowl - Custom Fitting Tips

We have embedded here a link to the VMAR Bird Dog ARF Assembly and Operations Manual. Although the manual is intended to specifically provide for assembly of the Bird Dog, modelers may find Stage 13 on page 9 to be of help when mounting any cowl.

We have also attached a PDF reprint from the Model Airplane News "Flight Ready" book of tips and techniques related to ARF model airplanes. Copyright (c) 2004 Model Airplane News. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. The PDF outlines a simple reliable method to measure, cut and fit a cowl around an engine without the use of a dummy cowl.

In summary,  the Bird Dog manual gives a good overview of a technique for mounting a cowl on the fuselage somewhat irrespective of engine cut outs while the Model Airplane News reprint focusses on cutting the cowl to accomodate your muffler and engine head, carb etc. We suggest readers review both of these before mounting their cowl.

Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files. Acrobat Reader can be downloaded free from www.adobe.com or by clicking on the icon below.

Get Adobe Reader